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Attorney general candidate visits New Richmond

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne — a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin attorney general — speaks to Democrats gathered in New Richmond on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Photo by Micheal Foley)1 / 2

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne — a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin attorney general — addresses a room of more than 60 St. Croix County Democrats at the party’s holiday dinner at Ready Randy’s in New Richmond on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Photo by Micheal Foley)2 / 2

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne was in New Richmond last week speaking at a local Democratic Party event in an effort to get his state attorney general campaign rolling.

Ozanne, who touts himself as a sixth-generation Wisconsinite, was in New Richmond on Thursday, Dec. 12, to introduce himself to more than 60 western Wisconsin Democrats while speaking at their holiday party.

“What I’m here to talk to you about is who I am, because some people in Dane County know me as the Act 10 guy,” Ozanne said referring to the action he filed after the controversial budget repair bill was passed with questionable meeting notice.

“I’ve been a public servant all my life,” Ozanne said. “I’ve been working to keep Wisconsin safe my entire career as a front line prosecutor where I’ve tried hundreds of cases from first-time drunk driving to first-degree intentional homicide and everything in between.”

He said public safety is job one, but that the attorney general can and should do more.

“The attorney general has to fight to ensure that women have ability to make their own health care decisions. The attorney general must fight to protect the vote, and that means getting away from voter suppression issues that have been popping up as of late. The attorney general must protect the environment. Clean air and clean water are such an important part of Wisconsin life, and the attorney general must protect our consumers and our seniors,” Ozanne said.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, a Republican, announced he would not seek a third term, and Ozanne, who formerly served as the deputy secretary of the Corrections Department, is one of at least two Democrats to announce candidacies for the seat.

Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel, a Republican, and State Rep. Jon Richards, (D-Milwaukee) have announced their candidacies as well. The primary election will take place on Aug. 12, with the general election on Nov. 4.